History tips

“They’re movable pieces of art,” says Budapest-born, London-based decorator Gergei Erdei of his new collection of hand-painted folding pinewood screens. Part of his Objects of Desires series, the six designs include trompe l’oeil columns, wing-footed mythological figures and interlinked geometric shapes. Erdei found inspiration for his pieces, which are over seven feet tall, in a recent retrospective of the Italian couturier Elsa Schiaparelli’s works at Paris’s Musée des Arts Décoratifs and in the lacquered screens of multimedia Art Deco creator Jean Dunand; Pompeii’s crumbling frescoes and ancient mosaics informed the mythological design’s soft, ocher hues, which were achieved through multiple coats of acrylic paint. “I keep coming back to Pompeii in my work,” Erdei says. “I find the layers faded by time so beautiful, like veils of history.”

Years ago, when I first strolled into Miami Beach’s swanky Fontainebleau, I felt a heightened pizzazz, aswirl in the kind of stimulating panache and prestige that trumpets: Pay attention! For travel lovers of glam getaways—especially those renowned as celeb and A-lister favorites—Fontainebleau Miami Beach is a legendary draw. Today, it continues to be a hotspot of cool goings-on, much expanded and revitalized again and again since its 1954 launch. A $1-billion makeover in 2008 wowed. “Every era of American history has its architectural touchstones, buildings that transcend their time and come to define a cultural moment,” says author Stephen Wallis in Fontainebleau, the newly published, silk-wrapped, oversized hardcover coffee table book (3.4-pounds) by luxury publisher Assouline, which celebrates the curvilinear-shaped resort’s illustrious past, present and forward leap. “The Fontainebleau hotel in Miami Beach is that kind of landmark,” he adds. “An instant sensation when it opened, it remains an enduring icon, repeatedly updated and evolving to this day.” With principal photography by Peter Arnell, who is Fontainebleau Development’s chief brand and design officer, this striking book highlights treasures and pleasures of the famous Florida oceanside symbol. Dive into its thick paper stock pages that are ripe with riveting photos and illustrations. Wallis engagingly writes about Fontainebleau’s history and mystery, deals and diversions, challenges and change-makers, imagination and innovation.

As 2024 heats up, "The Sicilian Inheritance" is the book on everyone's summer must-read list, buzzing with anticipation. It's a delicious mix of mystery and adventure, served up with a side of Sicilian food and wine, all set against the backdrop of breathtaking scenery and wrapped around a cast of characters that draw you in. But what really makes this book stand out is the heart and soul poured into it by its author, Jo Piazza.

It has already been a sweet life for Fumihide Oda, chief executive of Rokkatei, one of the oldest confectionary shops in Hokkaido, Japan, and the birthplace of the popular Marusei butter sandwich cookies.

From the first-of-its-kind hair salon by Amazon to cult jewellery at Astrid & Miyu, wander around Spitalfields, with its polished boutiques and pedestrian walkways, and you’d be hard-pressed to imagine this quarter of London back in the 13th century when it first started life as a market.

While Baltimore is home to a wealth of fascinating museums, restaurants and historic attractions, there’s a world of opportunity for visiting ecotourists found far beyond city limits. From the heart of Chesapeake Bay to the edge of the Atlantic, Maryland is rife with top-tier birdwatching destinations, each one equipped with a diverse array of species spanning from tiny passerines to fierce raptors. As you plan your next trip to the Old Line State, be sure to save some room on the itinerary for these can’t-miss birdwatching spots.

I've lived in New York City for almost four years, but I have never been to McSorley's, the oldest Irish pub in the city.

Located in Italy's culturally rich Emilia-Romagna region, Ravenna offers a fascinating blend of art, churches and historical landmarks.

Even though its population doesn't even hit half a million, Zürich is a forerunner in Switzerland when it comes to business, banking, nightlife and gastronomy. If it’s happening in Switzerland, it’s happening in Zürich first.

In a world where walking and biking tours have long been the norm for city explorations, a fresh and exhilarating alternative has burst onto the scene, particularly in Rome, a city steeped in millennia of history. This novel approach isn't just another variant of the theme of urban discovery; it's a transformative experience that marries the vibrancy of physical activity with the depth of cultural immersion. ArcheoRunning, the pioneering company behind this concept, has redefined the traditional sightseeing tour by introducing running as the vehicle for an intimate encounter with Rome's architectural splendors.

One of the largest living history museums in the U.S. will transport eclipse chasers back to the 19th century on April 8 in a once-in-a-century event.

The Oscars came and went on Sunday, with the movie “Oppenheimer” dominating the awards.

You’re going to want to bookmark the dates for this once in a lifetime experience

There’s this little yellow sun smiling throughout Sun Valley. It graces the doorknobs and room number plaques at the luxurious Sun Valley Lodge. It decorates the exterior of the free community shuttles toting eager skiers around the bases of Bald and Dollar Mountains and through the town of Ketchum. This smiling sun, with its dimpled cheeks and plump lips, is stamped on the back of the Sun Valley ski guides’ red Helly Hansen uniforms as they lead groups down runs like College or Arnold - the latter trail named for actor, politician and Sun Valley resident, Arnold Schwartzenegger.

A destination rich in history and culture, Washington, D.C., has endless attractions. More than simply the nation’s capital, a politician’s escape or a school field trip destination, Washington has become a vibrant melting pot of excellent hotels, standout dining and ample cultural experiences.

With historic landmarks like Akershus Fortress and some of Scandinavia’s most intriguing museums, Oslo is steeped in rich history that makes Norway’s capital the ideal destination for those eager to delve into Scandinavia’s past.

I've visited all 50 states in my career as a travel writer, and truly believe each has something unique to offer visitors.

Ever mindful of persistent inflation, travelers seek vacation destinations that are easy on their wallets. Many travelers say rising prices have impacted their plans and are opting for more affordable vacations, which often means staying closer to home.

Halifax is considered to be one of the smaller cities in Canada with just under half a million residents in the Greater Halifax region—but don’t let that fool you. The capital of Nova Scotia is a wealth of culture, history, and contemporary art waiting to be explored. The following museums and galleries are some of the standout options in the downtown core with great permanent collections and visiting exhibits as well.

9-17 March

Morehead State University’s contribution to the moon landing mission marks the beginning of a new era in space exploration, characterized by increased collaboration between academic institutions and space agencies.